Kelmscott and Morris: Past, Present and Future

"Our vision ...

"...is that visitors to the site will be able to explore the inspirational impact that Kelmscott had on William Morris and how this manifested itself in his work, and to appreciate his enduring worldwide legacy," Gill Andrews, President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

Kelmscott Manor is intrinsically linked with the story of the English designer, writer and social activist. Many of Morris’ works were inspired by the historic and natural environment of Kelmscott, which helped shape his views on conservation. Morris once observed that the buildings looked as if they had "grown up out of the soil". Today, Kelmscott Manor encompasses an incredible collection with listed buildings dating back to the 16th-century and showcasing furniture, pictures and textiles, including many pieces created by Morris himself.

Kelmscott Manor is intrinsically linked with the story of the English designer, writer and social activist. Many of Morris’ works were inspired by the historic and natural environment of Kelmscott which helped shape his views on conservation. Morris once observed that the buildings looked as if they had "grown up out of the soil". Today, Kelmscott Manor encompasses an incredible collection with listed buildings dating back to the 16th-century housing furniture, pictures and textiles, including many pieces created by Morris - See more at: /news/2016/08/hlf-awards-development-funding-for-kelmscott-manor/#sthash.TJHiHY1p.dpuf

Thousands of visitors to Kelmscott Manor have been able to share in this inspirational place. The Society of Antiquaries of London is committed to securing the future of the Manor’s historic buildings as well as improving facilities for visitors and continuing to explore and celebrate Morris’s legacy.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has given initial support for the Kelmscott & Morris: Past, Present & Future Project.

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: "William Morris’s time at Kelmscott had a strong influence on his conservation beliefs, so it’s fitting that this project will bring a number of historic buildings at the site back into use as well as complete some much-needed restoration.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, physical and virtual access to the heritage and legacy of Kelmscott and Morris will be transformed, and we’re delighted to support these plans."

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “William Morris’s time at Kelmscott had a strong influence on his conservation beliefs, so it’s fitting that this project will bring a number of historic buildings at the site back into use as well as complete some much-needed restoration.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, physical and virtual access to the heritage and legacy of Kelmscott and Morris will be transformed, and we’re delighted to support these plans.” - See more at: /news/2016/08/hlf-awards-development-funding-for-kelmscott-manor/#sthash.TJHiHY1p.dpuf

We need your help to raise the £1.5 million shortfall for our £6 million programme of improvements and complete the project in 2021, which includes major conservation and sensitive development of the estate to sustain this fragile piece of our national heritage:

comprehensive and vital repairs to Kelmscott Manor and its farm buildings;

addition of facilities to support educational activities;

creation of a versatile space for an artist-in-residence and activities for visitors of all ages;

implementation of a craft skills programme;

provision for temporary exhibitions exploring Morris’s work and life;

development of research and study courses to engage visitors in the archaeology of the local landscape and built environment;

carefully considered improvements to the tearoom, shop and toilet facilities.

Questions? Please email feedback@sal.org.uk (please note that this email address is only checked a few times a week, so there may be a small delay in receiving a response).

Kelmscott and Morris: Past, Present and Future

Read About Our Plans

If you would like to support the future conservation and development of this special place, please make a donation, become a Friend or Patron of Kelmscott Manor, or get in touch with to discuss other ways to support the Society of Antiquaries of London.

In addition to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the development stage of the project has also been supported by Arts Council England, The Country Houses Foundation, The CL Loyd Charitable Trust, The Aurelius Charitable Trust, The Architectural Heritage Fund and the John Langer Foundation.

Project Launch

Watch the President of the Society of Antiquaries of London, General Secretary, and other members of our project board discuss our future plans for Kelmscott Manor at the project launch (November 2016).